Pin Down Your Job Search Strategy… with Pinterest

Pinterest, the photo-sharing pinboard website, has become the perfect forum for connecting people around the world.

Similar to other social media sites, Pinterest is increasingly popular for individuals within the professional realm – and as a tool for job searching. And… you don’t have to be Martha Stewart or Nina Garcia to find your Pinterest niche, or find a job.

Here are five ways to use Pinterest to give your job search a boost:

1. Get Inspired

Pinterest is known traditionally for it’s amazing capacity as an inspirational outlet. If you are looking for latest DIY, you will find it! But Pinterest is also a great tool for job seekers looking to shake things up a bit. From finding inspiration for updating your resume or business card design, to discovering new career options.

I’m a firm believer in finding inspiration in all aspects of life, and Pinterest makes it even easier. The job search can be tiring, but browsing Pinterest can help spark great ideas on new ways to present yourself and better your personal brand. Looking to other Pinterest job seekers for inspirational growth is certain to give you the daily boost of positivity you need during your search.

2. Build a Brand Platform

Whether you choose to utilize Pinterest for your actual job search or just for finding inspiration is up to you, but keep in mind that the pinboard platform offers a unique opportunity to create boards that represents your professional brand. Generating a pinboard for your resume and portfolio allows an entire network of users to view your talents.

Professionalism is key when using Pinterest as a job search platform; choose text and images that are suitable in a work environment and to the future of your career. Don’t let the mighty temptations of Pinterest stray you off the topic of your own work experience or too far outside your industry! Put your creativity and social savvy-ness to work by creating professional trend board to pin inspirational successes in your industry.

3. Follow Career Experts

Pinterest is great for creating, but don’t overlook it’s unique search capabilities. This site is a unique outlet for career websites like CareerBliss to offer statistics, industry advice and inspiration via multiple formats, articles and even videos. Whether you’re looking for the perfect quote to help you move passed a botched interview or the latest employment statistics, Pinterest is there for you. Simply typing “career advice” into the search bar brings up a large supply of noteworthy results.

4. Keep Up with Industry Trends

Accumulating a number of different outlets to research industry trends will give you a leg-up in your job search. Staying up to date with the latest news, data and insight is made easy with Pinterest. A simple search can give you a slew of results that other forms of websites may not include. Pinterest also allows its users a unique chance to see what specific individuals, not just organizations, are doing within their industry.

5. Boost Networking Connections

Both companies and individuals are using Pinterest as an extension of their online brand, generating several unique ways to build relationships. Online engagement is the first step in building a networking connection. Build relationships with companies and experts by “re-pinning” their content on a regular basis. Don’t forget that Pinterest is also a great way to get to know companies on different levels that could potentially put you ahead of the competition in your job search and during interview questions.

Finding job search success on Pinterest is truly up to the user. Whether you decide to create a portfolio board, network, or simply gather job search insight, Pinterest is a unique tool certain to maximize your online presence.

How have you utilized Pinterest in your job search? Tell us in the comments below!

About the Author:Brittany Schlacter graduated from Ball State University with a B.S. in public relations and a minor in fashion. During her time at BSU, she rose to the position of Assistant Director of Cardinal Communications, Ball State’s renowned student-run advertising and public relations agency.